Thrifiting gifts is great for the environment, your wallet, and your creativity. Here are some ideas you can thrift this holiday season.
Click here to watch my thrifty gift segment on New Day Cleveland or scroll down to read
Stocking Stuffers
Look for things like: board books, jewelry, small toys, clutches, wallets, travel games, art supplies. Quick idea: Fill a small makeup clutch with makeup or gift cards.
Gifts for teachers
Thrift stores have tons of mugs and glassware you can fill with gift cards or sweet treats. Many teachers love getting supplies for their classrooms like games, books, and art supplies.
Board Games
New, used, vintage – the thrift store has all types of games. Quick idea: My favorite way to package this gift is to stack them and tie them with a thick decorative ribbon and a fun ornament (also thrifted!)
Books
It’s so fun to browse books at the thrift store! Traditional thrift stores are packed to the brim with books. Gifting books is a sustainable option to buying new copies. Quick idea: select a theme of books (Dr. Seuss or cookbooks for example), stack them and tie with with twine or ribbon. Know someone who loves to cook or bake? Pick up some glass or cookware like a cake stand and stack new and vintage cookbooks and tie them with pretty ribbon. Vintage cookbooks are always a lot of fun to read!
Toys
Possibilities are limitless here! From dolls to puzzles to cars, you’re bound to find at least one toy. I like to keep a running list at all times and pick up toys throughout the year and save them for holidays and birthdays.
Newborn Baby Bundle
Thrift stores always have tons of baby clothes and essentials, new with tags. Quick idea: Grab a gift box from the thrift store and fill it with baby items like toys, baby books, clothes, diaper bags, and whatever else you can find.
Vases and Planters
Need a quick gift for the hostess? Run by the thrift store and pick up a vase and fill it with flowers or ornaments.
Wall Art
Wall art can be expensive at regular retail stores but you can find them for a fraction of the price at thrift stores. I’m talking under $10 for brand new decorative art. With prices like that, you can pick up some for yourself and switch up your decor seasonally.
Frames
Look for new or unique styles and a personalized touch! Quick idea: thrift a personalized frame for the grandparents and finally get those photos printed!
Holiday Items
Ornaments, holiday decor, wall hangings – thrift stores are bursting at the seams with holiday decor. Seriously, if you’re going to thrift anything – this should be it! There’s SO much holiday stuff to go around at secondhand stores.
Scarves
I like to look for both winter and vintage silk scarves for people on my lists. Scarves are among the top most donated items, so you’re bound to find at least one that still has the original tags attached.
Sweaters
Sweaters are fairly easy to hunt for at thrift stores. I like to mix and match quirky vintage finds with brand new sweaters like cashmere or merino wool. Quick tip: when thrifting sweaters, use your hands! Quickly browse a rack by touching the sweaters. It’s one of the easiest ways to spot quality fabrics.
Brand Name and Designer Clothes
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a designer or brand name item at the thrift store. If you don’t like to dig for clothes, keep an eye out for brand name handbags, wallets, and accessories.
Gifting Accessories
Between wrapping paper, tissue paper, and gift bags, the holiday season can be a pretty wasteful time of year. Head to the thrift store for everything you need for gifting accessories like boxes, tins, baskets, and more.
Never thrifted a gift before? Here are some tips to get you started
Keep a running list at all times
Shop all year round for gifts when you’re out thrifting. See something awesome in January and your friend’s birthday is in September? Buy it and save it for later!
Know your audience
Stick with thrifted items that are new with tags / new in box for certain people on your lists. If your recipient would appreciate the thought that you thrifted a gift, the possibilities are limitless!
Mix and match new items and thrifted items
Sure, we love the idea of thrifting gifts, but we’re not saying it needs to be all or nothing! You can mix and match new gifts from retail stores with thrifted finds.
DIY!
Thinking about creating something for a friend? Head to the thrift store to pick up items you can DIY like mugs, frames, and more.
Click here for tips on how to clean your thrift store items
Thanks, it’s Thrifted is a podcast about secondhand shopping hosted by two treasure-hunting friends, Dina & Shannon. Subscribe today. Follow on Instagram @dinasdays and @thanksitthrifted.pod. For more about the podcast visit dinasdays.com/podcast.
